Shut Out at the MLB Hall of Fame

For the first time since 1996 and for just the eighth time in history, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) has failed to elect anyone to the Hall of Fame.

On Wednesday, the BBWAA announced its 2013 results live on MLB Network, and not one of the 37 candidates eligible for election was named to the necessary 75% of ballots. First-time candidate Craig Biggio came closest, as he was named on 68.0% of ballots (39 votes short of induction).

As a consequence, no living inductee will be present at the ceremonies in Cooperstown for the first time since 1960. The Veterans’ Committee previously voted in 19th-century star Deacon White, former Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert and umpire Hank O’Day, all deceased. The BBWAA’s collective decision worsens what’s already a “ballot bottleneck.” In addition to the dozen or so players already eligible that merit serious discussion, worthies like Greg Maddux, Jeff Kent, Frank Thomas, Tom Glavine and Mike Mussina hit the ballot for the first time in 2014.

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